Food Tasting Lexicons

Here at the NC State Sensory Service Center, we sometimes speak a different language: While you simply may or may not like a particular cheese you are snacking on, we can’t help but to describe it as Catty or Rosy. Sometimes we may even exclaim “Crayon!” We’re not crazy. Each food category has its own lexicon where all possible flavor attributes – scientifically speaking – are accounted for. Below are examples of lexicons mainly in the dairy category.